Pontifical Mission Societies Head Monsignor Landry Takes Voluntary Leave of Absence Following Code-of-Conduct Allegations but Maintains Innocence
.png)
The Diocese of Fall River has issued a statement regarding recent allegations against Monsignor Roger J. Landry, a priest of the diocese and the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in New York. The allegations involve reported violations of priestly codes of conduct concerning adults, with both authorities confirming there are no allegations involving minors or sexual activity. Pending a full canonical investigation into the matter, the Diocese of Fall River has restricted Monsignor Landry from public ministry, while Monsignor Landry maintains his innocence and has voluntarily taken a leave of absence from his national role during the review process. Below are the official, complete statements released by both the Diocese of Fall River and Monsignor Roger J. Landry on September 11, 2026.
Statement from the Diocese:
The Diocese of Fall River has received allegations against Monsignor Roger J. Landry from multiple individuals. These include allegations of violations of the Codes of Conduct for Priests for both the Diocese of Fall River and Archdiocese of New York. Monsignor Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River who has been serving in several special assignments outside the Diocese since 2015. In July 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States and currently resides in New York.
There are no allegations involving minors.
Following an initial investigation conducted by the Archdiocese of New York, where Monsignor Landry’s ministry is based, the Diocese of Fall River, after consultation with the Archdiocese and canonical advisors, has determined that sufficient evidence exists to restrict him from the public exercise of priestly ministry, pending the resolution of this matter. This action is consistent with Diocese of Fall River policy.
Although Monsignor Landry has been serving outside the Diocese of Fall River, he remains a priest of the Diocese and subject to the authority of the Bishop of Fall River. He has requested to take a leave of absence from his post at the Pontifical Mission Societies and is entitled to the presumption of innocence while the investigation continues.
The Diocese recognizes that coming forward with concerns about the conduct of a member of the clergy can be difficult. Anyone who may have been affected is encouraged to report their concerns and will be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
As always, anyone with concerns regarding the conduct of any priest, staff member, or volunteer affiliated with the Diocese of Fall River is encouraged to contact law enforcement and Carolyn Shipp, Diocesan Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at 508-985-6508 or by email at cshipp@dioc-fr.org.
Bishop da Cunha asks for prayers for all those affected by this matter. The Diocese has no further comment at this time.
Statement from Monsignor Roger Landry In Response To the Statement From the Diocese of Fall River, September 11, 2026
Monsignor Roger J. Landry
September 11, 2026
In response to accusations that have been received by the Diocese of Fall River, where I am incardinated as a priest, I have decided voluntarily to take a temporary leave of absence as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. I do so for the sake of protecting the important work of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA as well as my own reputation as a priest.
The Diocese of Fall River has verbally communicated to me that the accusations involve alleged violations of prudence, pastoral boundaries, and diocesan codes of conduct with adults. There are no allegations of sexual activity whatsoever or of misconduct of any kind with a minor. I maintain my innocence of any canonical violation or crime and will continue to defend my reputation to the best of my ability under the law of the Church.
Those who have raised concerns deserve to be heard. I am grateful that canon law respects my natural human right to be presumed innocent and the right to protect the good reputation I have enjoyed throughout the many years the Lord has given me the privilege to serve Him and His holy people.
I humbly ask, and thank you in advance, for your prayers for me and all those concerned. Please pray for Bishop da Cunha and all those who will be involved in the investigation and ecclesiastical process, which I am told might take up to several months. I am cooperating fully with the investigation, with trust that a fair investigation will establish the truth that the Lord promises will set us free. Please pray for those who have brought these accusations. Please pray for my colleagues at the Pontifical Mission Societies USA and their vital work in spreading the faith. And please pray for me and for all those who will be carrying this Cross with me.
The Diocese of Fall River has received allegations against Monsignor Roger J. Landry from multiple individuals. These include allegations of violations of the Codes of Conduct for Priests for both the Diocese of Fall River and Archdiocese of New York. Monsignor Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River who has been serving in several special assignments outside the Diocese since 2015. In July 2024, he was appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States and currently resides in New York.
There are no allegations involving minors.
Following an initial investigation conducted by the Archdiocese of New York, where Monsignor Landry’s ministry is based, the Diocese of Fall River, after consultation with the Archdiocese and canonical advisors, has determined that sufficient evidence exists to restrict him from the public exercise of priestly ministry, pending the resolution of this matter. This action is consistent with Diocese of Fall River policy.
Although Monsignor Landry has been serving outside the Diocese of Fall River, he remains a priest of the Diocese and subject to the authority of the Bishop of Fall River. He has requested to take a leave of absence from his post at the Pontifical Mission Societies and is entitled to the presumption of innocence while the investigation continues.
The Diocese recognizes that coming forward with concerns about the conduct of a member of the clergy can be difficult. Anyone who may have been affected is encouraged to report their concerns and will be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
As always, anyone with concerns regarding the conduct of any priest, staff member, or volunteer affiliated with the Diocese of Fall River is encouraged to contact law enforcement and Carolyn Shipp, Diocesan Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance at 508-985-6508 or by email at cshipp@dioc-fr.org.
Bishop da Cunha asks for prayers for all those affected by this matter. The Diocese has no further comment at this time.
Statement from Monsignor Roger Landry In Response To the Statement From the Diocese of Fall River, September 11, 2026
Monsignor Roger J. Landry
September 11, 2026
In response to accusations that have been received by the Diocese of Fall River, where I am incardinated as a priest, I have decided voluntarily to take a temporary leave of absence as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. I do so for the sake of protecting the important work of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA as well as my own reputation as a priest.
The Diocese of Fall River has verbally communicated to me that the accusations involve alleged violations of prudence, pastoral boundaries, and diocesan codes of conduct with adults. There are no allegations of sexual activity whatsoever or of misconduct of any kind with a minor. I maintain my innocence of any canonical violation or crime and will continue to defend my reputation to the best of my ability under the law of the Church.
Those who have raised concerns deserve to be heard. I am grateful that canon law respects my natural human right to be presumed innocent and the right to protect the good reputation I have enjoyed throughout the many years the Lord has given me the privilege to serve Him and His holy people.
I humbly ask, and thank you in advance, for your prayers for me and all those concerned. Please pray for Bishop da Cunha and all those who will be involved in the investigation and ecclesiastical process, which I am told might take up to several months. I am cooperating fully with the investigation, with trust that a fair investigation will establish the truth that the Lord promises will set us free. Please pray for those who have brought these accusations. Please pray for my colleagues at the Pontifical Mission Societies USA and their vital work in spreading the faith. And please pray for me and for all those who will be carrying this Cross with me.
Comments